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Book of Zechariah - Chapter 12 - Verse 12

12:12
And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

Meaning

This verse from the book of Zechariah foretells a time of great mourning and sadness that will come upon the land. Each family will grieve separately, with even relatives being divided in their sorrow. The specificity of the families mentioned, such as the house of David and the house of Nathan, highlights the widespread nature of the mourning that will take place. This separation within families emphasizes the depth of the sorrow that will be felt, as even those closest to each other will be unable to find solace together. The mention of wives being apart from their husbands further intensifies the sense of loss and isolation that will be experienced during this time. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the pain and devastation that can come upon a community, echoing the themes of mourning and sorrow that are prevalent throughout the Bible.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a glimpse of the coming judgment upon the land. The mention of each family mourning apart points to the severity and individuality of the punishment that will befall each household. The specificity of the families mentioned, such as the house of David and the house of Nathan, highlights the impact that this judgment will have on even the most prestigious and prominent families. It serves as a reminder that no one is exempt from the consequences of sin. The separation of husbands and wives within each family emphasizes the personal nature of grief and mourning that will take place. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the ultimate justice of God.

American Standard Version

And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;
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